well, ive started on my next attempt at a DIY cage for my 3 girls.
i will update this thread as i progress! here is day ones work so far
i started out with the idea of removabe storage bins for the bottom level, for easy cleaning. Walmart sells these bins for about $6/ea.
next, i shopped around for some suitable structure material. i ended up getting something called MDF board, which is basically pressed cardboard (it is basically wood, just softer and easier to work with) this WILL need to be waterproofed as much as possible, as it will absorb urine if it gets on it.
MDF comes in 8ft lengths from Home Depot, i cut pieces into 30inch sections to make up the corners of the cage.
Next i shopped for some easy means to join the corners together, i ended up buying 50cent corner joints, using 2 on each corner. easy to screw in, and sturdy to boot.
next, i cut out more MDF board to 'cup' the bottom floor tubs, allowing them to pop out of the frame to be cleaned when needed. used corner brackets to screw these together. there will be one frame for each tub, which will be fastened securely to the corner supports.
And last, a crude drawing i posted before of what the cage might look like from the front. but we'll see how well i can stick to the plan lol
comments ans suggestions welcomed! i should get some more work done tomorrow and in the following week as well.
also, i am aware that there may be problems with the MDF board soaking up rat messes, so if anyone has some ideas on waterproofing or other things i can do, please let me know!
i will update this thread as i progress! here is day ones work so far
i started out with the idea of removabe storage bins for the bottom level, for easy cleaning. Walmart sells these bins for about $6/ea.


next, i shopped around for some suitable structure material. i ended up getting something called MDF board, which is basically pressed cardboard (it is basically wood, just softer and easier to work with) this WILL need to be waterproofed as much as possible, as it will absorb urine if it gets on it.

MDF comes in 8ft lengths from Home Depot, i cut pieces into 30inch sections to make up the corners of the cage.
Next i shopped for some easy means to join the corners together, i ended up buying 50cent corner joints, using 2 on each corner. easy to screw in, and sturdy to boot.



next, i cut out more MDF board to 'cup' the bottom floor tubs, allowing them to pop out of the frame to be cleaned when needed. used corner brackets to screw these together. there will be one frame for each tub, which will be fastened securely to the corner supports.

And last, a crude drawing i posted before of what the cage might look like from the front. but we'll see how well i can stick to the plan lol

comments ans suggestions welcomed! i should get some more work done tomorrow and in the following week as well.
also, i am aware that there may be problems with the MDF board soaking up rat messes, so if anyone has some ideas on waterproofing or other things i can do, please let me know!